A rent repayment order can make a landlord pay back up to 12 months' rent for certain offences. It is separate from a disrepair claim. Here is how it works and who to ask.
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Direct answer
A rent repayment order (RRO) is when a tribunal orders a landlord to pay back up to 12 months' rent, because the landlord broke the law in certain ways. It is not the same as a disrepair claim, and it is not something we handle. But it is worth knowing about, and we can still help if your home is also in disrepair. Call us free on 0800 030 4669.
When a rent repayment order can apply
A tenant can ask the First-tier Tribunal for an RRO if the landlord has done things like:
- Rented out a property that needed a licence, without having one
- Illegally evicted or harassed a tenant
- Ignored an improvement notice or prohibition order from the council
How to apply
You apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). This is separate from a disrepair claim. Shelter (0808 800 4444) and Citizens Advice can guide you, and some housing solicitors take these cases.
How this links to disrepair
If the council served your landlord an improvement notice for serious disrepair and they ignored it, that can support both an RRO and a disrepair claim. See environmental health notice, what happens now.
How we can help
We handle the disrepair side. If your home is damp, cold, leaking or unsafe and your landlord has ignored it, call us free on 0800 030 4669.
Free call: 0800 030 4669 | Start your claim
Sources
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 25 May 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.
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